Solar Project Halted Over Native Cultural Site Concerns

In a significant development, Avangrid Renewables has halted permitting activities for its proposed industrial-scale solar panel array on Badger Mountain in Eastern Washington. This decision follows an investigation by High Country News and ProPublica, which revealed that a land survey funded by the developer failed to identify over a dozen sites of archaeological and cultural importance within the project area. The pause aims to address concerns raised by Indigenous groups regarding the potential impacts on their cultural heritage. In a letter dated June 27, Avangrid announced it would take two to three months to reassess public comments, particularly those from tribal nations and landowners affected by the project. A spokesperson for the company confirmed that while permitting activities are on hold, evaluations of other project elements will continue. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which oversees the land, views this pause as an opportunity for further discussions with tribes and stakeholders. The majority of the solar project is situated on private lands, raising questions about its viability independent of cultural resource concerns. Avangrid has not addressed inquiries regarding the worries of private landowners. Earlier this year, members of the Wenatchi-P’squosa people protested against the solar development, citing threats to vital food sources and archaeological sites. Despite ongoing tribal objections, the project had been progressing until this recent decision to pause.